Helen StuartHelen was at Coopers from 1998-2005 . As a sixth form student she studied English Literature, French and Spanish (all A grades)After Coopers, I took a gap year and spent five months au-pairing in Madrid before going to the University of Manchester to study for a BA in English Literature and French. While there, and especially during my year of study abroad in Paris, I wrote for the University's student newspaper and decided I wanted to pursue a career in journalism. Having researched my options and taken on some work experience at national and local publications, I embarked on a Masters degree course at City University in Magazine Journalism. As part of that course, I was required to undertake further work placements which is how I ended up at Woman's Own for three weeks. They invited me back to intern over the summer once my studies had finished, and then took me on as a writer. After nearly two happy years there, I decided it was time for a new challenge and moved over to their rival, Woman magazine.The world of celebrity journalism is fast-paced and fun. A sense of humour and great ideas are key, while being a people-person helps at award ceremonies and red carpet events! The industry is changing, with digital and online skills becoming ever more important, but the essentials remain the same: be curious, be clever, be accurate. I love my job and when I get to rub shoulders with the stars and shake hands with Simon Cowell, I can't quite believe my luck!

Coopers AlumniOur former students Former students are warmly invited to join Coopers Alumni which will help them keep in touch with the Coopers community. Our Alumni receive a bi-annual newsletter about the latest developments at Coopers and invitations to many events, some they may even remember from their time at Coopers. There are lots of ways to get involved too, from inspiring our sixth formers to go to university to motivating a year 7 through mentoring. If you are a part of the history of Coopers and want to get back in touch, please contact us.

Tom NewbyTom was at Coopers from 1996-2000. In sixth form I achieved A levels in English, Maths, Further Maths, Physics and General Studies (all A grades) and an AS in German.After Coopers I went to Cambridge University to study Engineering at degree and MA level between 2001-2005. While at university I was one of the founders of Engineers Without Borders UK, which started as a university society but is now a national charity with branches at 33 universities around the UK. I was a director of EWB-UK until 2009. After graduating, I worked for 7 years with an international engineering consultancy called Buro Happold, at their head office in Bath and in New York. I'd worked for Buro Happold in London during my university holidays, and they also sponsored me during my last two years at university. While working for them I was one of the main design engineers for the Aviva Stadium in Dublin and for the Olympic Stadium in London. In 2010 worked in Haiti for the charity Tearfund, following the catastrophic earthquake there. After that I returned to work for Buro Happold in their New York office, where I stayed for eighteen months and worked on projects including a 50 storey tower in Vancouver and a new Canadian football stadium in Ottawa. I am now back in the UK, having accepted a role as a Senior Engineer with Expedition Engineering, the firm that designed the Olympic Velodrome and London cable car.

Tom AllenTom was at Coopers from 1994-2001. As a sixth form student he studied History, English Literature, Music and Drama. In his final year Tom was Head Boy. After Coopers, Tom went on to train with the National Youth Theatre performing with the company in London and Manchester in addition to working on outreach projects and films. Tom has become a hugely successful comedian, writer and actor performing on radio, TV and live across the World. Tom has performed live at the Montreal Festival Just for Laughs, touring the US and Australia, as well as continuing to perform his own show at the Edinburgh Festival. As a presenter, Tom hosted the World’s Greatest Bodyshockers programme on E4 in 2012 and has also reported for BBC2’s The Review Show, Big Brother’s Big Mouth and covered the British Fashion Awards for Net-A-Porter where he interviewed Christopher Kane, Olivia Palermo and Victoria Beckham.As an actor, Tom guest starred in the most recent series of Comedy Central’s Threesome and has also appeared in BBC’s Sensitive Skin and Fear of Fanny. Film includes Colour Me Kubrick with John Malkovich, Starter for Ten with James McEvoy and the Stephen Frears film, Tamara Drewe.

Charlotte MaceCharlotte was at Coopers from 1995-2002. As a sixth form student she studied A level Mathematics, Music, Graphic Design and Physics. In her final year she joined the student leadership team as Deputy Head Girl; we organised various events & secured an office for the student leadership team! After Coopers, I went on to the University of Greenwich to study Mathematics with Computing and achieved a 1st Class with Honours. After University I enrolled on the Graduate Teacher Program and undertook my training at Ravenswood School. On completing my training year I was offered a post to teach there in 2006. I am now Deputy Head of the Mathematics Department. I am still pursuing my education and am currently working towards a Master’s degree with the University of Chichester in Mathematics Education, due to finish in July 2013. I loved music at school, learning to play the flute and being involved in all the groups and productions Coopers had to offer. I have continued this into adult life, competing in national and international competitions and performing in world-renowned venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, the Sage in Gateshead and the Roda Hall in The Netherlands. As well my commitment to music, I am also involved in leading the Youth Work at my local church. Travelling represents another of my passions, thus far to destinations across Europe and North Africa, and I hope to continue these adventures further afield to visit South Africa, New Zealand and Canada.

Nicky HorsleyNicky was at Coopers from 2000-2002. As a sixth form student he studied Physical Education, Business Studies, Biology and General Studies After Coopers, I went to Coventry University to study a degree in Physiotherapy. Whilst at university I was an active member of the Athletics Society, competing at the British University Athletics Championships in the 100m, Long Jump and 4x400m relay.After completing my degree in with an Upper Seconds Degree (2:1) in BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, I began my career as a Chartered Physiotherapist at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. Following completion of ‘Junior’ rotations in Musculoskeletal, Respiratory and Neurological fields, I have since specialised in a senior position as a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist. My clinical skills have been developed further through the undertaking of numerous postgraduate professional. I have completed an accredited Acupuncture course, as well as more traditional physiotherapy techniques including mobilisations and exercise therapy. I recently completed an Emerging Leaders programme, aimed at developing future leaders within the NHS.The experience and the education I received during my time at Coopers have played a pivotal role in what I have achieved to date.

Elana MaccioniElana was at Coopers from 1997-2004. As a sixth form student she studied Mathematics, Chemistry and Spanish for A level and Further Maths and History for AS and achieved A, B, B, B, B.In September 2004 I began my degree in Chemistry at the University of Bristol and I chose their MSci programme, Chemistry with Studies in Continental Europe. This degree programme enabled me to continue studying Spanish alongside Chemistry and in the third year I was given an Erasmus grant to study at the University of Salamanca. My fourth and final year was spent again in Bristol where I completed the Masters course with my thesis in Biological Aspects of Chemometrics and was awarded a 2.1. After graduating in 2008 I returned to Spain, this time to Seville on a Leonardo Da Vinci grant which aims to promote professional mobility in Europe. The grant placed me in a research group at the University of Seville Research Centre (CSIC) where I worked in a solid state chemistry research lab, focusing on silicon compounds. In 2009 I began teaching English in Andalucía and continue to do so although I have also successfully completed my training at the Universidad Internacional de la Rioja to be a secondary school Physics and Chemistry teacher.

Tom NewbyGreg was at Coopers from 1999-2006. As a sixth form student he studied English Literature, Geography, History and IT. In his final year Greg was Deputy Head Boy. Having left Coopers in 2006 with four A-Level qualifications, I embarked on a History and Politics degree programme at the University of Leicester. During my three years studying as an undergraduate I studied a variety of modules focussing on contemporary political issues. Outside of my academic studies, I involved myself in a variety of student societies and media groups. Between 2007 and 2008, I was head of student radio at Leicester – commonly known as Lush Radio. Towards the end of my degree, I became more actively involved in political and campaigning groups, such as Amnesty International.After graduating in the summer of 2009 I decided to continue my studies on a master’s programme in Global Social Policy at the University of Sheffield. In 2010, I was awarded an ESRC studentship to fund my PhD studies in the Department of Sociological Studies at Sheffield. Since then – as part of my PhD research – I have been studying the anti-capitalist, social and economic justice movement, ‘Occupy’. This has allowed me to travel and present at international conferences, as well as the opportunity to conduct research in other countries. After completing my PhD, I hope to embark either on an academic career, or continue my research at non-governmental organisation (NGO).

Megan Knowles-BaconMegan was at Coopers from 2004-2011. She studied Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths in her A Levels (A, A, A, A*). Megan went on to (and continues to) read Wildlife Conservation at Kent University. However, since the age of five years old Megan has been passionate about two other things, magic and ballet, which she combines in her “Meet the Magic Circle” performances.Some achievements Megan is proud of:2008 – She won a scholarship from the Society of American Magicians (SAM) to attend the Sorcerer’s Safari Magic Camp in Canada.2009 – 2nd Place in The Magic Circle’s Young Magician of the Year2010 – Megan was asked to perform at the SAM’s annual convention in Atlanta2011 – Megan became a member of The Magic Circle and was granted a scholarship from them to attend McBride’s Magic and Mystery School in Las Vegas, focusing on the performance side of magic incorporating ballet.2011/2012 – Megan helped set up and run the UKC Magic Society, teaching magic to members, producing a full stage show, and raising money for Kent Air Ambulance. In June 2012, they won ‘Best New Society’ in the Kent Union awards.

Helen StuartHelen was at Coopers from 1998-2005 . As a sixth form student she studied English Literature, French and Spanish (all A grades)After Coopers, I took a gap year and spent five months au-pairing in Madrid before going to the University of Manchester to study for a BA in English Literature and French. While there, and especially during my year of study abroad in Paris, I wrote for the University's student newspaper and decided I wanted to pursue a career in journalism. Having researched my options and taken on some work experience at national and local publications, I embarked on a Masters degree course at City University in Magazine Journalism. As part of that course, I was required to undertake further work placements which is how I ended up at Woman's Own for three weeks. They invited me back to intern over the summer once my studies had finished, and then took me on as a writer. After nearly two happy years there, I decided it was time for a new challenge and moved over to their rival, Woman magazine.The world of celebrity journalism is fast-paced and fun. A sense of humour and great ideas are key, while being a people-person helps at award ceremonies and red carpet events! The industry is changing, with digital and online skills becoming ever more important, but the essentials remain the same: be curious, be clever, be accurate. I love my job and when I get to rub shoulders with the stars and shake hands with Simon Cowell, I can't quite believe my luck!

Coopers AlumniOur former students Former students are warmly invited to join Coopers Alumni which will help them keep in touch with the Coopers community. Our Alumni receive a bi-annual newsletter about the latest developments at Coopers and invitations to many events, some they may even remember from their time at Coopers. There are lots of ways to get involved too, from inspiring our sixth formers to go to university to motivating a year 7 through mentoring. If you are a part of the history of Coopers and want to get back in touch, please contact us.

Tom NewbyTom was at Coopers from 1996-2000. In sixth form I achieved A levels in English, Maths, Further Maths, Physics and General Studies (all A grades) and an AS in German.After Coopers I went to Cambridge University to study Engineering at degree and MA level between 2001-2005. While at university I was one of the founders of Engineers Without Borders UK, which started as a university society but is now a national charity with branches at 33 universities around the UK. I was a director of EWB-UK until 2009. After graduating, I worked for 7 years with an international engineering consultancy called Buro Happold, at their head office in Bath and in New York. I'd worked for Buro Happold in London during my university holidays, and they also sponsored me during my last two years at university. While working for them I was one of the main design engineers for the Aviva Stadium in Dublin and for the Olympic Stadium in London. In 2010 worked in Haiti for the charity Tearfund, following the catastrophic earthquake there. After that I returned to work for Buro Happold in their New York office, where I stayed for eighteen months and worked on projects including a 50 storey tower in Vancouver and a new Canadian football stadium in Ottawa. I am now back in the UK, having accepted a role as a Senior Engineer with Expedition Engineering, the firm that designed the Olympic Velodrome and London cable car.

Tom AllenTom was at Coopers from 1994-2001. As a sixth form student he studied History, English Literature, Music and Drama. In his final year Tom was Head Boy. After Coopers, Tom went on to train with the National Youth Theatre performing with the company in London and Manchester in addition to working on outreach projects and films. Tom has become a hugely successful comedian, writer and actor performing on radio, TV and live across the World. Tom has performed live at the Montreal Festival Just for Laughs, touring the US and Australia, as well as continuing to perform his own show at the Edinburgh Festival. As a presenter, Tom hosted the World’s Greatest Bodyshockers programme on E4 in 2012 and has also reported for BBC2’s The Review Show, Big Brother’s Big Mouth and covered the British Fashion Awards for Net-A-Porter where he interviewed Christopher Kane, Olivia Palermo and Victoria Beckham.As an actor, Tom guest starred in the most recent series of Comedy Central’s Threesome and has also appeared in BBC’s Sensitive Skin and Fear of Fanny. Film includes Colour Me Kubrick with John Malkovich, Starter for Ten with James McEvoy and the Stephen Frears film, Tamara Drewe.

Charlotte MaceCharlotte was at Coopers from 1995-2002. As a sixth form student she studied A level Mathematics, Music, Graphic Design and Physics. In her final year she joined the student leadership team as Deputy Head Girl; we organised various events & secured an office for the student leadership team! After Coopers, I went on to the University of Greenwich to study Mathematics with Computing and achieved a 1st Class with Honours. After University I enrolled on the Graduate Teacher Program and undertook my training at Ravenswood School. On completing my training year I was offered a post to teach there in 2006. I am now Deputy Head of the Mathematics Department. I am still pursuing my education and am currently working towards a Master’s degree with the University of Chichester in Mathematics Education, due to finish in July 2013. I loved music at school, learning to play the flute and being involved in all the groups and productions Coopers had to offer. I have continued this into adult life, competing in national and international competitions and performing in world-renowned venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, the Sage in Gateshead and the Roda Hall in The Netherlands. As well my commitment to music, I am also involved in leading the Youth Work at my local church. Travelling represents another of my passions, thus far to destinations across Europe and North Africa, and I hope to continue these adventures further afield to visit South Africa, New Zealand and Canada.

Nicky HorsleyNicky was at Coopers from 2000-2002. As a sixth form student he studied Physical Education, Business Studies, Biology and General Studies After Coopers, I went to Coventry University to study a degree in Physiotherapy. Whilst at university I was an active member of the Athletics Society, competing at the British University Athletics Championships in the 100m, Long Jump and 4x400m relay.After completing my degree in with an Upper Seconds Degree (2:1) in BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, I began my career as a Chartered Physiotherapist at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. Following completion of ‘Junior’ rotations in Musculoskeletal, Respiratory and Neurological fields, I have since specialised in a senior position as a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist. My clinical skills have been developed further through the undertaking of numerous postgraduate professional. I have completed an accredited Acupuncture course, as well as more traditional physiotherapy techniques including mobilisations and exercise therapy. I recently completed an Emerging Leaders programme, aimed at developing future leaders within the NHS.The experience and the education I received during my time at Coopers have played a pivotal role in what I have achieved to date.

Elana MaccioniElana was at Coopers from 1997-2004. As a sixth form student she studied Mathematics, Chemistry and Spanish for A level and Further Maths and History for AS and achieved A, B, B, B, B.In September 2004 I began my degree in Chemistry at the University of Bristol and I chose their MSci programme, Chemistry with Studies in Continental Europe. This degree programme enabled me to continue studying Spanish alongside Chemistry and in the third year I was given an Erasmus grant to study at the University of Salamanca. My fourth and final year was spent again in Bristol where I completed the Masters course with my thesis in Biological Aspects of Chemometrics and was awarded a 2.1. After graduating in 2008 I returned to Spain, this time to Seville on a Leonardo Da Vinci grant which aims to promote professional mobility in Europe. The grant placed me in a research group at the University of Seville Research Centre (CSIC) where I worked in a solid state chemistry research lab, focusing on silicon compounds. In 2009 I began teaching English in Andalucía and continue to do so although I have also successfully completed my training at the Universidad Internacional de la Rioja to be a secondary school Physics and Chemistry teacher.

Tom NewbyGreg was at Coopers from 1999-2006. As a sixth form student he studied English Literature, Geography, History and IT. In his final year Greg was Deputy Head Boy. Having left Coopers in 2006 with four A-Level qualifications, I embarked on a History and Politics degree programme at the University of Leicester. During my three years studying as an undergraduate I studied a variety of modules focussing on contemporary political issues. Outside of my academic studies, I involved myself in a variety of student societies and media groups. Between 2007 and 2008, I was head of student radio at Leicester – commonly known as Lush Radio. Towards the end of my degree, I became more actively involved in political and campaigning groups, such as Amnesty International.After graduating in the summer of 2009 I decided to continue my studies on a master’s programme in Global Social Policy at the University of Sheffield. In 2010, I was awarded an ESRC studentship to fund my PhD studies in the Department of Sociological Studies at Sheffield. Since then – as part of my PhD research – I have been studying the anti-capitalist, social and economic justice movement, ‘Occupy’. This has allowed me to travel and present at international conferences, as well as the opportunity to conduct research in other countries. After completing my PhD, I hope to embark either on an academic career, or continue my research at non-governmental organisation (NGO).